Red Flags
SIMS’s Molly Whitley outlined several warning signs to look for in evaluating potential risk for suicide. Many may seem obvious, but they’re worth repeating all the same:
“People usually start making little comments like, ‘I can’t handle life anymore.’ One of the things people sometimes do if they’re really planning to hurt themselves is start saying goodbye to people, or wrapping up unfinished business, or giving their belongings away.
“They can also become very withdrawn, refuse to go out, and show no interest in anything anymore. The things that used to be fun for them, that used to be interesting, they don’t want to do anymore – you can’t get them out of the house.”
This article appears in July 9 • 2004.